Background

It’s been a wee while since I’ve ventured into the SWPL. The last in-person game I attended was an Old Firm derby way back in February, an article which I titled ‘Progression’. In that article I discussed the original struggle women’s football faced to even be recognised in Scotland, never mind be organised properly.

However, even in the short time since February, the women’s game in Scotland has grown. According to Sky Sports, the 2022/23 season saw more than 100,000 people turn out in person to support their club – breaking the record attendance for a single match 3 times in the process. 15,822 men, women and children bounced along to Celtic Park to watch The Hoops take on Hearts on the final day of an explosive end to last season. After a positive start to the campaign, it looks as though the number of 100,000 total attendees may well be exceeded for the 23/24 season. The continued highlights coverage from the likes of Sportscene provides excellent exposure, with presentation and quality matching its male counterpart. It is class to watch the narrative of the SWPL unfold just as you would for the SPFL. It could be a key to gaining new support from the average football fan to turn out and actively engage in the SWPL. More eyes on the product develops further interest, more participants who want to replicate their role models which hopefully, in turn provides consistent upward trajectory of quality on the park.

It can be said that the increasing interest in women’s football can be partly attributed to already established Scottish clubs creating an avenue for the women’s side to thrive. This is done by using their name and supporter drive to integrate a women’s side under the overarching club umbrella, providing opportunities for girls and women to become a part of the club’s present and future. One club, many teams. Dundee United are one of these clubs, with the formation of Dundee United WFC in 2015 cementing a path in the women’s football pyramid.  

Since their formation, the direction has been nothing but up for United. In their first season they secured a league and cup double during their time in the SWFL Division 2 (East) before lifting the SWFL First Division a couple of seasons later. In 2022, Dundee United made history by winning the SWPL 2 to gain promotion to the top division for the first time. The jump up can often be tricky and the difference in quality can show quite easily, but United fought hard in their inaugural season – finishing 9^th in a 12-team league.

They’ll be looking to continue their trend of consistent movement upward with a higher league finish this season, no matter how difficult it may be. With a large divide in quality between the top 6 and bottom 6, it is up to teams like Dundee United to pull off a shock every couple of weeks. They have already shown they can match opponents who consistently finish in the higher reaches. A 0-0 draw with Hibernian early on the season and a 2-1 victory away to Spartans at the start of the month gives the team a platform to reach for on a more regular basis. This Sunday provides one of the toughest tests of all though – a face-off with 16-time champions of Scotland, Glasgow City. 

Facilities

Formerly known as Gussie Park, Foundation Park sits in the backdrop of Tannadice Stadium. Over the last year or so, it has undergone major developments to turn a humble training and reserve area into a fully-fledged arena fit for top-flight women’s and elite youth development football. Part of this deep 6 figure development includes the brand-spanking new stand for spectators. Glowing in orange and standing stands 3 rows high it is Dundee United’s answer to Edinburgh City’s Meadowbank or East Kilbride’s K-Park. Granted you’re not sat in the front row with a face-full of metal fence, it provides a decent view of proceedings.

It is clear that a lot of work has gone into making Foundation Park as modern and as clean as possible. The changing areas look sparkly, and it has a fresh feeling around it. The small tea hut on the far side provided the biggest selection of food and drink I’ve ever seen at the football. Lattes and cappuccinos could be preferred to the usual dirty brown water, cans of Monster could have you buzzing all game and if you fancied you could take your pick from too many traybakes, pies and bridies to choose from. Gluttony paradise.

Overall, although pretty basic, Foundation Park provides a meaningful place for Dundee United WFC to set up camp. Situated in the heart of the community in an incredibly recognisable area, it gives valuable access for Tangerine supporters to come and support the women’s branch of the club. 2.5/5.

Atmosphere

Family-friendly is probably the best way to describe the atmosphere at Foundation Park. Although a decent number of supporters turned up, it was largely quiet within the confines of the stadium. Wee shouts here and there from family members of Dundee United’s team or from the small number of travelling Glasgow City supporters were audible here and there. I do feel this to be important for fledging athletes as a starter, but ultimately you want a loud crowd cheering you on to get you through a tough game. Hopefully in time, this encouraging vibe will come. Time will tell. 1.5/5.

Quality of the Match

Heading in as heavy favourites, it wouldn’t take long for Glasgow City to dominate possession. The first real chance, however, didn’t come till around ten minutes in. When Dundee United failed to properly clear a corner, they were lucky Hayley Lauder’s strike came smacking off the far post.

Their luck did not last long though. After initially doing well to control the ball and advance into space, a misplaced pass from the United midfield gave Lauren Davidson the opportunity to intercept. The 22 year-old strode forward, powered through a couple of orange jerseys before firing a low strike into the far corner. A superb goal from a player who has done incredibly well to rise up the ranks in recent years.

The pressure continued with a few pot shots and swung in corners. However, the United defence largely stood the test, with Fiona McNicoll pulling off some excellent blocks to keep the score at one. But, there was not a lot they could do about Glasgow’s second. Some more excellent buildup play saw captain Hayley Lauder advance into the box. Her initial shot was well saved by the United ‘keeper, but the rebound was calmly slotted home to double the away side’s advantage.

It should have been three soon after. Some positive play down the right resulted in a swung cross to the centre of the box. Unmarked, Kenzie Weir could only head wide of the target, giving Dundee United a chance to breath a sigh of relief.

That sigh turned into belief though. On their first real attack of the match, a free-kick into the box broke to the feet of a United player. After their shot on goal was pushed wide by Erin Clachers, the rebound was returned across goal. Jade Wilson reacted quickest to poke the ball home and give Dundee United an unexpected lifeline heading into the break.

Half Time: Dundee United 1-2 Glasgow City

In the second half, possession stats continued to be dominated by City. For the most part though, clear cut chances fell few and far between. The away side were mostly limited to long-range pot shots which flew above the bar more times than not.

A big chance did fall to substitute Lisa Forrest, whose half-volley from a corner was deflected off the line and out for a corner. Dundee United were living by a thread.

After 40 minutes of outstanding defensive work, the last straw fell. Some excellent buildup play allowed Hayley Lauder another opportunity to advance into the box. Her initial strike was once again saved by the ever-present Fiona McNicoll, but her rebound found the back of the net. You could almost feel the weight drop off the City shoulders when the ball crossed the line.

With a minute to go, Abbie Larkin had the opportunity to extend their goal difference. However, despite being one-on-one, McNicoll stood tall one last time to deny the midfielder a place on the score sheet.

Full Time: Dundee United 1-3 Glasgow City

Dundee United can take a lot of positives from this encounter. For teams in the bottom 6, matches against the top 3 can often result in some awfully deflating scorelines. However, Dundee United can hold their heads high knowing they kept the defending champions within a goal for the majority of the match. They have some excellent individuals in their team, and it is easy to see how, when playing similarly resourced opposition, they can show their talents. I was particularly impressed with goalkeeper Fiona McNicoll. Having only re-signed for the club at the beginning of the month, the stopper showed her worth by producing a save every 5 minutes (or so it felt). Her and the rest of her defence stood tall and can feel proud of their performances.

Glasgow City are in one of those weird positions where they’ll be disappointed to have only come away with a two-goal win. In this league, the title will most likely be won in games between the top and by goal difference. Although they held the vast majority of possession and had countless shots on goal, to have only scored three will perhaps seem like a failure. However, three points is three points, and I am sure the City squad will be happy to head back down the road with a victory. It is a long season after all.

Overall, I was treated to 4 good goals, an impressive defensive/goalkeeping performance from the underdogs and some positive individual displays. I feel this deserves a straight 3/5.

Pricing

A standard ticket for this SWPL match-up cost a measly fiver. This is a quid cheaper than the majority of games in tier 6 and below in the men’s pyramid. It is worth every penny, and I would suggest it is probably underselling itself. Everything within Foundation Park was also a reasonable price. It would be criminal to give this anything other than a 5/5.

Final Score

Dundee United WFC end with a respectable 12/20. I’m enjoying exploring more SWPL encounters and am slowly developing a keen interest for this branch of Scottish football. Hopefully, in time, plenty of others will follow suit and give the story-tellers on the pitch the exposure they deserve. The narrative is certainly there to be written.

• Connor